History
Dr. Esther de Chantal Bikoi established RAPSED (Réseau d’Action pour la Promotion de la Santé, Education, et Développement)/ Support Network for the Advancement of health, Education and development) to improve dental health and wellness in underserved communities. The organization focused on providing dental education, hygiene resources and basic dental care to remote and marginalized communities.
RAPSED expanded its reach and impact by organizing dental mission trips to various regions. To address the lack of dental care in rural areas in Cameroon. This clinic provided direct dental treatments for patients including basic dental care, oral hygiene education, and dental hygiene products for home care.
RAPSED continued its mission off promoting dental health. Based on the success of the original Mobile Clinic, this additional was able to reach larger portions of the population. In this version, dental cleanings, extractions were performed along with numerous filings and other dental procedures. Oral hygiene products were provided along with lessons on oral hygiene instructions.
The organization experienced significant growth and development, expanding its programs and partnerships to address the multifaceted needs of the communities it served. The team in collaboration with other charitable organizations provided much needed basic dental services to the population. The population was lining up, eager to attend seminars and workshops. People did not only learn about dental hygiene, but they also learned about AIDS and other potentially deadly diseases.
The organization focused on Outreach to communities through various associations and organizations, providing information to members about the importance of good oral health; the impact of dental diseases prevention so that they could in turn inform their families, friends, coworkers, and neighbors about the benefits of good oral care. Dental hygiene products were provided. Other good health and wellness practices were also discussed.
Dental research initiatives were launched to better understand the dental health needs of the communities.
The organization prioritized oral hygiene education and outreach efforts throughout the DMV (District of Columbia Maryland, Virginia) area in the United States, partnering with local organizations and various Cameroonian organizations (Ghana, Bamoun, Balengu, and Nyong et Kelle Elite, etc.).
The organization continued its mission of promoting dental health globally, focusing on sustainable solutions and the holistic relationship between dental health and overall Wellness in underserved communities. Dr Bikoi participated in this notable charitable program to provide Dental Care for remote areas in Brazil, traveling by boat for 2 weeks to some remote villages along the river to provide basic dental care and oral hygiene education.
The organization continued providing dental health workshops, distribution of hygiene products for various organizations in the U.S.
Dr Bikoi visited local schools to teach the younger children about proper brushing and flossing techniques
The organization on the go significant growth and development, expanding its programs and partnerships to address the multifaceted needs of the communities it serves. Dr. Bikoi, the founder continued to leverage expertise and to advance the organization mission.
As RAPSED's impact continued to grow, it became evident that a new chapter was on the horizon. In 2024, RAPSED was rebranded and officially relaunched as The Dr. Bikoi Foundation, marking a significant milestone in the organization journey. This transition symbolized a renewed commitment to advancing Dental health and promoting the holistic wellbeing of communities world-wide, while honoring the enduring legacy of RAPSED's grassroots origins.